Three more defendants sentenced in sadomasochistic sex trafficking conspiracy

Edward Bagley, Sr.

WARNING: This story is sexually graphic.

Updated September 12, 2013 - NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE U.S. ATTORNEY WESTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI

HUMAN TRAFFICKING RESCUE PROJECT

THREE MORE DEFENDANTS SENTENCED IN SADOMASOCHISTICSEX TRAFFICKING CONSPIRACY

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that three more defendants were sentenced in federal court today for their roles in the sex trafficking of a young woman who was coerced into being a sex slave for several years while she was tortured in a trailer home located in a wooded area in Lebanon.

Michael Stokes, also known as "The Rodent," 65, of Lebanon, Mo., and James Noel, 47, of Springfield, Mo., were each sentenced to five years in federal prison without parole in separate hearings before U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple. Marilyn Bagley, 48, of Lebanon, was sentenced to five years of probation.

The court also ordered that $738,250 in total restitution must be paid to the victim. Each defendant is individually liable for $123,041, or one-sixth of the total amount.

On Dec. 6, 2012, Marilyn Bagley pleaded guilty to her role in the conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion. Marilyn Bagley admittedly knew that other individuals came to the residence to engage in sexual conduct and sadistic acts on the female victim (identified in court documents as FV). Over a six-year period, FV endured sadistic acts of torture, many of which were photographed and videotaped. FV would be punished if she did not do as instructed. Several individuals provided bondage pornography, meat, cigarettes, and cash, among other items, in exchange for the sessions involving sexual conduct and sadistic acts on FV.

The government stated in court at the time of her guilty plea that Marilyn Bagley is considered in a separate category from the other defendants in this case because she was a victim of extensive physical and emotional abuse by her husband, co-defendant Edward Bagley, Sr., also known as "Master Ed," 46, for over 25 years prior to her criminal conduct and participation in the conspiracy. Her participation in the criminal conduct resulted in the abuse being redirected away from her and to the victim.

Stokes pleaded guilty on Jan. 5, 2012, to participating in the sex trafficking conspiracy. Stokes became familiar with FV in 2006 when he received pictures of her over the Internet in which she was naked with whip marks over her body. Stokes was told that the victim was a slave for "life" who was tortured for hours at a time and was required to do "everything and anything" she was told. After a few weeks of chatting online, Edward Bagley brought the victim to Stokes' house so she could do a "demo" for him. When they arrived at Stokes' residence, bringing a duffle bag of torture devices with them, FV was instructed to "put on a show for us." FV was naked, wearing only dog collars and ankle collars with locks. Stokes was asked whether he wanted to have sex with her. Stokes said "yes" and he had sex with FV.

Stokes was stunned that "someone had that much control over someone" and "had never seen anything like it."

Stokes began visiting the Bagley residence where FV was being held. During his first visit, he was shown a photo of FV's vaginal opening sewn shut and told this was done to demonstrate "what was expected of her." FV was present for these statements and remained silent. FV never talked back or spoke up. FV never offered herself to Stokes and only acted on command.

Stokes visited the Bagley residence eight to 12 times. During these visits, he would receive sexual acts or be allowed to watch or participate in torturing FV. When he visited he brought steaks, hamburgers, jackets, personalized playing cards, lighters, cigarettes, and cash. Among other things, he witnessed FV being tortured with a crank phone, with electricity shot through devices clamped to her vaginal and anal openings.

Stokes helped promote FV at the strip clubs. Stokes took photos of FV around to the clubs to promote her there. Stokes gave $1,000 so that FV could be taken for a sexual bondage photo shoot in California for Taboo magazine. Stokes then took a copy of the magazine to promote her at the clubs. The photos in Taboo magazine were extremely mild and did not depict any of the cruel sessions Stokes had witnessed at the residence.

In 2009, Stokes was warned that there was an FBI investigation involving his conduct with FV. Stokes went on his computer and deleted hundreds of photos, his contacts with other females online, pictures of FV that he saved, and destroyed his copies of Taboo magazine and the sexual devices that he had acquired.

Noel pleaded guilty on Feb. 24, 2011, to participating in the sex trafficking conspiracy. Noel admitted that he was one of the customers who sexually abused and tortured FV. Noel watched the victim being tortured and sometimes operated torture devices himself beginning in 2006, when she was approximately 20 years old. For example, Noel knew that FV hated being electrocuted with a crank phone (which was wired inside FVs vaginal and anal openings and to her toes), which he described as extremely painful, but he used it on her anyway.

Three defendants in this case were sentenced on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.

Edward Bagley and Bradley Cook, also known as PutHer2GoodUse, 34, of Kirkwood, Mo., were each sentenced to 20 years in federal prison without parole. Dennis Henry, 53, of Wheatland, Mo., was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison without parole. As part of the agreement obtained by the government, Cook was required to pay $123,041 in restitution at the time of his sentencing. Edward Bagley and Henry are individually liable for $123,041 in restitution. Their wages will be garnished while in custody, and after they are released, until they have paid their restitution in full.

Following their prison terms, Bagley, Cook and Henry will be on supervised release for the rest of their lives. Among the terms of supervision ordered by the court, they must adhere to a 10:30 p.m. curfew and are prohibited from any contact with the victim, the government's attorneys and the agents involved in the case.

This case marked the first time nationwide that the customers, or "Johns," have been convicted under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act in a sex trafficking case in which the victim was an adult. This is also the first human trafficking conviction in which the customers were prosecuted in a case that involved an actual victim rather than an undercover sting operation.

On Jan. 15, 2013, Bagley pleaded guilty to enticing a minor into illegal sexual conduct and prostitution. Bagley met FV in 2002, when she was 16 years old and dating his teenage son. FV visited his trailer residence in Lebanon on numerous occasions. During FV's visits to Bagley's residence, he showed her images and videos of pornography on the Internet and downloaded from the Internet, including images and videos of bondage and sadomasochistic conduct. Bagley admitted that he provided FV with controlled substances. He taught her about bondage and sadomasochistic activities. His wife, co-defendant Marilyn Bagley, 48, modeled stripper and bondage clothing for FV. The Bagleys told FV that she would love being a "slave" for him. Bagley began a sexual relationship with FV prior to her seventeenth birthday.

FV viewed Edward Bagley as her boyfriend and moved into the Bagleys' residence in 2003. They provided FV her own room and clothes, and promised her a great life.

Over the course of the next six years, Edward Bagley executed sadistic acts of torture on FV, including sewing her vagina closed, whipping and flogging her body, penetrating her breasts with needles and skewers, suffocating her with plastic bags, strangling her with rope, locking her in a dog cage, and electrocuting FV's sexual organs with devices which produced electrical voltage. Edward Bagley photographed and videotaped many of the acts he performed on her. FV would be punished if she did not do as instructed.

Cook pleaded guilty on Dec. 20, 2011, to participating in a conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion. From 2006 to 2009, Cook watched the victim being sexually abused and tortured in live online sessions and as depicted in photos and videos that he downloaded from the Internet. Cook admitted that he traveled to Lebanon on multiple occasions during that time to engage in sessions of sexual acts and torture with the victim. In exchange, Cook paid the victims master for these sessions with such items as computer hard drives that contained images and videos of bondage, domination, sadism and masochism, which he had downloaded from the Internet.

Cook also admitted he was aware of other men who engaged in sexual acts and torture with the victim. He witnessed the victim being whipped and locked in a dog cage, as well as being tied up and shocked with multiple electrical devices. Cook described the abuse suffered by the victim as the most extreme he had ever seen.

Henry, formerly the postmaster of Nevada, Mo., pleaded guilty on March 24, 2011, to participating in the conspiracy. Henry also pleaded guilty to transporting the victim across state lines for sexual activity.

Henry admitted that he engaged in sex with the victim, and participated in torture sessions with FV that would last for hours. Henry saw pictures of FVs vagina sewn shut, which he was told was a form of punishment. Henry also admitted that he visited FV at a Lebanon strip club where she was forced to work.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cynthia L. Cordes, Paul Becker and John Cowles with assistance from the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit. It was investigated by the FBI in conjunction with the Human Trafficking Rescue Project.

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Updated September 11, 2013 - NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE U.S. ATTORNEY WESTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI

HUMAN TRAFFICKING RESCUE PROJECT

LEBANON MAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS FOR COERCING A MINOR TO BECOME A SEX SLAVE; TWO CUSTOMERS ALSO SENTENCED FOR SEX TRAFFICKING

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Lebanon, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for using the Internet to groom and entice a minor girl into illegal sexual conduct that led to years of sadomasochistic abuse, and two of his customers were sentenced for their roles in the sex trafficking conspiracy.

"This courageous young woman, who confronted her tormentors in court today, is getting justice for the horrific suffering and enslavement she endured at the hands of these sexual sadists," Dickinson said. "Today's tough sentences should erase any lingering perception that the brutal sexual torture inflicted on this young victim was in any way consensual. Now the tables are turned, as she continues her healing process while they are confined in prison for many years to come."

Edward Bagley, Sr., also known as "Master Ed," 46, of Lebanon, Bradley Cook, also known as "PutHer2GoodUse," 34,of Kirkwood, Mo., and Dennis Henry, 53, of Wheatland, Mo., were sentenced in separate hearings before U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple. Bagley was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison without parole. Cook was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison without parole. Henry was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison without parole.

The court also ordered that $738,250 in total restitution must be paid to the victim. Each defendant is individually liable for $123,041, or one-sixth of the total amount. As part of the agreement obtained by the government, Cook was required to pay $123,041 in restitution at the time of his sentencing.

Following their prison terms, Bagley, Cook and Henry will be on supervised release for the rest of their lives. Among the terms of supervision ordered by the court, they must adhere to a 10:30 p.m. curfew and are prohibited from any contact with the victim, the government's attorneys and the agents involved in the case.

Bagley,Cook and Henry are among six co-defendants who pleaded guilty in this case. The remaining three co-defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday, Sept.12, 2013. This case marked the first time nationwide that the customers, or"Johns," have been convicted under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act in a sex trafficking case in which the victim was an adult. This is also the first human trafficking conviction in which the customers were prosecuted in a case that involved an actual victim rather than an undercover sting operation.

OnJan. 15, 2013, Bagley pleaded guilty to enticing a minor into illegal sexual conduct and prostitution. Bagley met the female victim (identified in court documents as FV) in 2002, when she was 16 years old and dating his teenage son. FV visited his trailer residence in Lebanon on numerous occasions. During FV's visits to Bagley's residence, he showed her images and videos of pornography on the Internet and downloaded from the Internet, including images and videos of bondage and sadomasochistic conduct. Bagley admitted that he provided FV with controlled substances. He taught her about bondage and sadomasochistic activities. His wife, co-defendant Marilyn Bagley, 48, modeled stripper and bondage clothing for FV. The Bagleys told FV that she would love being a"slave" for him. Bagley began a sexual relationship with FV prior to her seventeenth birthday.

FV viewed Edward Bagley as her boyfriend and moved into the Bagleys' residence in2003. They provided FV her own room and clothes, and promised her a great life.

Over the course of the next six years, Edward Bagley executed sadistic acts of torture on FV, including sewing her vagina closed, whipping and flogging her body, penetrating her breasts with needles and skewers, suffocating her with plastic bags, strangling her with rope, locking her in a dog cage, and electrocuting FV's sexual organs with devices which produced electrical voltage. Edward Bagley photographed and videotaped many of the acts he performed on her. FV would be punished if she did not do as instructed.

Cook pleaded guilty on Dec. 20, 2011, to participating in a conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion. From 2006 to 2009, Cook watched the victim being sexually abused and tortured in live online sessions and as depicted in photos and videos that he downloaded from the Internet. Cook admitted that he traveled to Lebanon on multiple occasions during that time to engage in sessions of sexual acts and torture with the victim. In exchange, Cook paid the victim's "master" for these sessions with such items as computer hard drives that contained image sand videos of bondage, domination, sadism and masochism, which he had downloaded from the Internet.

Cook also admitted he was aware of other men who engaged in sexual acts and torture with the victim. He witnessed the victim being whipped and locked in a dog cage, as well as being tied up and shocked with multiple electrical devices. Cook described the abuse suffered by the victim as the "most extreme" he had ever seen.

Henry, formerly the postmaster of Nevada, Mo., pleaded guilty on March 24, 2011, to participating in the conspiracy. Henry also pleaded guilty to transporting the victim across state lines for sexual activity.

Henry admitted that he engaged in sex with the victim, and participated in torture sessions with FV that would last for hours. Henry saw pictures of FV'svagina sewn shut, which he was told was a form of punishment. Henry also admitted that he visited FV at a Lebanon strip club where she was forced to work.

Marilyn Bagley pleaded guilty on Dec. 6, 2012, to her role in the conspiracy. Marilyn Bagley admittedly knew that other individuals came to the residence to engage in sexual conduct and sadistic acts on FV. They provided bondage pornography, meat, cigarettes, and cash, among other items, in exchange for the sessions involving sexual conduct and sadistic acts on FV.

Under the terms of her binding plea agreement, Marilyn Bagley will receive a sentence of probation. The government stated in court that Marilyn Bagley is considered in a separate category from the other defendants in this case because she was a victim of extensive physical and emotional abuse for over 25 years prior to her criminal conduct and participation in the conspiracy. Her participation in the criminal conduct resulted in the abuse being redirected away from her and to the victim.

Co-defendant Michael Stokes, also known as "The Rodent," 65, of Lebanon, pleaded guilty on Jan. 5, 2012, to participating in the conspiracy.

Stokes became familiar with FV in 2006 when he received pictures of her over the Internet in which she was naked with whip marks over her body. Stokes was told that the victim was a slave for "life" who was tortured for hours at a time and was required to do "everything and anything" she was told. After a few weeks of chatting online, the plea agreement says, a co-conspirator brought the victim to Stokes' house so she could do a "demo" for him. When they arrived at Stokes' residence, bringing a duffle bag of torture devices with them, FV was instructed to "put on a show for us." FV was naked, wearing only dog collars and ankle collars with locks. Stokes was asked whether he wanted to have sex with her. Stokes said "yes" and he had sex with FV.

Stokes was stunned that "someone had that much control over someone" and "had never seen anything like it."

Stokes began visiting the residence where FV was being held. During his first visit, he was shown a photo of FV's vaginal opening sewn shut and told this was done to demonstrate "what was expected of her." FV was present for these statements and remained silent. FV never talked back or spoke up. FV never offered herself to Stokes and only acted on command.

Stokes visited the residence eight to 12 times. During these visits, he would receive sexual acts or be allowed to watch or participate in torturing FV. When he visited he brought steaks, hamburgers, jackets, personalized playing cards, lighters, cigarettes, and cash. Among other things, he witnessed FV being tortured with a crank phone, with electricity shot through devices clamped to her vaginal and anal openings.

Stokes began assisting in promoting FV at the strip clubs. Stokes took photos of FV around to the clubs to promote her there. Stokes gave $1,000 so that FV could be taken for a sexual bondage photo shoot in California for Taboo magazine. Stokes then took a copy of the magazine to promote her at the clubs. The photos in Taboo magazine were extremely mild and did not depict any of the cruel sessions Stokes had witnessed at the residence.

In 2009, Stokes was warned that there was an FBI investigation involving his conduct with FV. Stokes went on his computer and deleted hundreds of photos, his contacts with other females online, pictures of FV that he saved, and destroyed his copies of Taboo magazine and the sexual devices that he had acquired.

Under federal statutes, Stokes is subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole, plus a fine up to $250,000 and an order of restitution.

Co-defendantJames Noel, 47, of Springfield, pleaded guilty on Feb. 24, 2011, to participating in the conspiracy. Noel admitted that he was one of the customers who sexually abused and tortured FV. Noel watched the victim being tortured and sometimes operated torture devices himself beginning in 2006, when she was approximately 20 years old. For example, Noel knew that FV hated being electrocuted with a crank phone (which was wired inside FV'svaginal and anal openings and to her toes), which he described as "extremely painful," but he used it on her anyway.

Under federal statutes, Noel is subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole, plus a fine up to $250,000 and an order of restitution.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cynthia L. Cordes, PaulBecker and John Cowles with assistance from the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division's HumanTrafficking Prosecution Unit. It was investigated by the FBI in conjunction with the Human Trafficking Rescue Project.

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Updated January 30, 2012 at 1:30 PM CST: The trial is delayed for a southwest Missouri man charged in a sex slave case.

The trial for Edward Bagley Sr., and his wife, Marilyn, had been scheduled to begin February 13. That date has been pushed to September 17.

Investigators say the Bagley's held a mentally deficient woman captive for years. Authorities say the victim had been locked in a cage in their mobile home near Lebanon, Missouri.

Court documents describe a series of horrific crimes that occurred between 2002 and 2009. Prosecutors say customers paid to participate in the rape and torture of the captive woman.

In March 2011, former Nevada, Missouri Postmaster Dennis Henry of Wheatland admitted that he was one of those customers.

Henry has not yet been sentenced.

Updated March 30, 2011 at 3:20 PM CST: Less than a week after the former postmaster in Nevada plead guilty to his role in a sex-trafficking conspiracy, the wife of another man charged has now been charged in the case.

Last week Dennis Henry, 51, plead guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking in a case involving a young, mentally deficient woman coerced into being a sex slave and tortured at a trailer home.

Now, Marilyn Bagley, 45, and her husband, Edward Bagley, Sr., 43, as well as Michael Stokes, 62, and Bradley Cook, 32, have been charged by a grand jury.

According to the indictment the Bagley's invited the victim - 16 at the time - into their home after she ran away from home in December 2002, promising her "a great life".

The indictment alleges over the next several years the woman was sexually abused, tortured and forced to work as an exotic dancer at local strip clubs.

Authorizes began investigating when they were made aware of the situation in 2009 when the then 23 year old woman was allegedly suffocated and electrocuted during a torture session, went into cardiac arrest and was taken to the hospital for treatment.

News release issued by the United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri

KANSAS CITY, Mo. B Beth Phillips, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Lebanon, Mo., woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury, joining her husband and four other co-defendants who were indicted last year for their roles in a commercial sex trafficking conspiracy.

The federal indictment alleges that a young, mentally deficient woman was sexually abused and tortured for several years at a Lebanon residence, and forced to work as an exotic dancer at local strip clubs. Today's indictment also contains additional charges against the original defendants related to a murder-for-hire scheme, witness and victim tampering and witness retaliation, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and child pornography.

Marilyn Bagley, 45, along with her husband Edward Bagley, Sr., also known as "Master Ed," 43, and Michael Stokes, also known as "The Rodent," 62, all of Lebanon, Mo., and Bradley Cook, also known as "PutHer2GoodUse," 32, of St. Louis, Mo., were charged in an 18-count superseding indictment returned by a grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Today's superseding indictment replaces a Sept. 8, 2010, indictment. Edward Bagley, Stokes and Cook remain in federal custody.

Today's indictment alleges that Edward and Marilyn Bagley enticed a female victim, identified as AFV,@ who they believed came from a troubled childhood and suffered from mental deficiencies, into their trailer home in a wooded area. They allegedly engaged in sexual intercourse and sexual torture activities with FV to groom and coerce her to become a sex slave. Edward Bagley allegedly beat, whipped, flogged, suffocated, choked, electrocuted, caned, skewered, drowned, mutilated, hung and caged FV to coerce her to become a sex slave.

Edward Bagley allegedly advertised online that FV was his slave and could be sexually tortured during live online sessions or in person. The indictment states that Stokes and Cook participated in this conspiracy as customers who paid and offered goods to Bagley to sexually abuse and torture FV. The indictment also alleges that Edward Bagley forced FV to work as a stripper and the Bagleys kept the proceeds from that work.

The federal investigation began after Bagley allegedly suffocated and electrocuted FV during a torture session to a state of cardiac arrest on Feb. 27, 2009. FV, who was 23 years old at that time, received emergency medical treatment and was hospitalized.

Today's superseding indictment contains an additional charge against Edward Bagley for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Cook is also charged with two additional counts of using an interstate facility in the commission of murder for hire, and with one count each of attempted tampering with a victim and attempted witness retaliation, all of which are related to an alleged attempt to kill FV between Sept. 28, 2010, and Dec. 9, 2010. Cook is also charged with tampering with another witness, who is identified as "JP" in the indictment.

Today's superseding indictment also contains additional charges against Stokes for receiving child pornography over the Internet and for possessing child pornography.

According to the federal indictment, the Bagleys invited FV, who was 16 years old at the time, into their trailer after she ran away from home in December 2002. They promised FV, who had grown up in foster care homes, a "great life," and promised that they would help her to become a model and a dancer, the indictment says.

The Bagleys used the Internet and BDSM pornography to train and groom FV (while she was still a minor) to be a sex slave. Marilyn Bagley allegedly modeled "slave clothes" as part of recruiting FV to become Edward Bagley's slave. Edward Bagley allegedly gave FV marijuana and ecstasy, showed her images of pornography and sadomasochism activities, and began sexually abusing her while she was still a minor.

Edward Bagley began sexually torturing FV in February 2004, according to the indictment, when she turned 18 years old and he had her sign a Asex slave contract,@ which he convinced FV legally bound her to him as his slave for the rest of her life. The indictment cites numerous allegations of a variety of sexual acts, torture, and mutilation over a five-year period.

Marilyn Bagley posed in photographs taken by Edward Bagley, the indictment says, where she sexually abused FV. Marilyn Bagley allegedly told FV to "do as she was told" and refused to offer assistance when FV expressed fear of Edward Bagley. Marilyn Bagley benefited financially and by receiving something of value from her role in the sex trafficking scheme.

If FV attempted to stop the activity or cried for help, the indictment says, Edward Bagley escalated the torture. Edward Bagley allegedly threatened to kill FV and demonstrated to her that he could do so by keeping numerous guns in the home. Edward Bagley shot animals that FV cared for in front of her, the indictment says, and bragged about the bodies he had already buried in the woods behind the trailer home. Edward Bagley also threatened to bury FV alive, the indictment says, and showed her a video demonstrating how he intended to do it.

Edward Bagley had FV tattooed to mark her as his property, the indictment says, including a bar code on her neck, a tribal tattoo on her back with the letter AS@ to mark her as a slave, and the Chinese symbol for slave on her ankle.

Between February 2004 and February 2009, the indictment says, Edward Bagley tortured FV on live webcasts on the Internet. Cook allegedly watched live video over the Internet of FV being sexually abused and tortured, and downloaded pictures of FV to his computer. Cook allegedly sent images to Edward Bagley of females in his residence that he beat, bound and tied up to share ideas of how to abuse FV. Cook allegedly used those torture methods on FV when he visited the Bagley residence. Cook gave Bagley a hard drive with sadomasochism and torture videos downloaded from the Internet, including videos demonstrating to Bagley how he could bury FV alive.

Stokes allegedly traveled to the Bagleys' residence and engaged in both sexually torturing FV and watching Edward Bagley torture FV. Stokes gave Bagley steaks, cigarettes, coats, clothing, lighters and cash. Stokes paid $1,000 for Bagley to transport FV to California in December 2006 for a photo shoot in which FV performed sexual acts. Stokes paid Bagley $300 for a torture session, and also gave him money to build a home-made device to sexually torture FV.

In addition to the criminal conspiracy, each of the defendants is also charged with one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and one count of using the Internet to facilitate the unlawful activity.

Edward and Marilyn Bagley are also charged together with forced labor trafficking and document servitude. The federal indictment alleges that the Bagleys forced FV to work as a stripper and exotic dancer at adult entertainment clubs from June 2007 to February 2009. They allegedly earned approximately $112,200 from FV=s work. According to the indictment, Edward Bagley punished FV with torture and physical and sexual abuse for failing to be a top earner at the adult entertainment clubs where he had her dance and strip. Edward and Marilyn Bagley allegedly confiscated FV=s identification documents, including her state-issued identification card, birth certificate and Social Security card.

Edward Bagley is also charged with one count each of using the Internet to entice a minor to engage in illicit sex, enticement to travel for illicit sexual activity, transportation for illicit sexual activity, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance to a person under the age of 21 and being a drug user in possession of firearms and ammunition.

The federal indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require Bagley to forfeit to the government any proceeds obtained from the alleged offenses, as well as any property used to commit the alleged offenses, including $112,200 allegedly obtained by the forced labor trafficking of the victim, two computers, sex toys and paraphernalia and torture devices and 11 firearms. Cook would also be required to forfeit three computers, a hard drive, two Xbox 360s and seven firearms.

Under federal statutes, a conviction for commercial sex trafficking carries a penalty of a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole. A conviction for either commercial sex trafficking or forced labor trafficking that involves aggravated sexual abuse carries a maximum penalty of life in federal prison without parole.

Phillips cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cynthia L. Cordes, Paul Becker and John Cowles. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in conjunction with the Human Trafficking Rescue Project.

Updated March 24, 2011 at 3:00 PM CST: The former postmaster in Nevada, Missouri has plead guilty in federal court to his role in a sex-trafficking conspiracy involving a young, mentally deficient woman who was coerced into being a sex slave and tortured at a trailer home.

Dennis Henry, 51 of Wheatland, plead guilty today to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and to transporting the victim across state lines for sexual activity.

Henry is subject to a sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison without parole, plus a fine up to $500,000.

News release issued by the United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Beth Phillips, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Wheatland, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a sex-trafficking conspiracy in which a young, mentally deficient woman was coerced into being a sex slave for several years while she was tortured in a trailer home located in a wooded area in Lebanon, Mo.

Dennis Henry, 51, of Wheatland, formerly the postmaster of Nevada, Mo., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion. Henry also pleaded guilty to transporting the victim across state lines for sexual activity.

By pleading guilty today, Henry admitted that he engaged in sex with the victim, who is identified in court documents as "FV" (female victim), and participated in torture sessions with FV that would last for hours. According to Henry, FV was subject to the most extreme forms of torture he had ever seen. Henry saw pictures of FV's vagina sewn shut, which he was told was a form of punishment. Punishment also included locking FV in a cage. Henry never asked FV if she needed help and never offered to assist her in any way.

Henry met FV in 2004, when she was 18 years old. According to today's plea agreement, Henry believed that FV had been neglected. She also appeared developmentally delayed for someone her age. She did not know how to think for herself. She also took long periods of time to think and comprehend something and had a difficult time keeping up with conversations. Henry saw that FV did not know how to eat with a knife and a fork, and he taught her how to use silverware.

In 2006, Henry helped transport FV to California for a sexually explicit pornographic photo shoot. The sex toys, machines and devices filled the trunk and backseat of the car, with Henry, FV and another person crowded into the front seat. Henry drove most of the way from Missouri to California, where they stayed in a dirty motel room that was located in front of an alley filled with trash, needles and drug paraphernalia.

According to Henry, FV became scared when they arrived in California. When she saw the crank phone that was used to administer electric shocks, she withdrew and "melted." Henry found FV crying in a room. FV told him she hated the crank phone and was worried she would not be able to take the pain. Henry provided approximately $1,400 for this trip to California. At a later date, he provided another $500 for a return trip, which he did not join.

Henry also admitted that he visited FV at a Lebanon strip club where she was forced to work.

Co-defendant James Noel, 45, of Springfield, has also pleaded guilty to participating in the conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion. Noel admitted that he was one of the customers who sexually abused and tortured FV. Noel watched the victim being tortured and sometimes operated torture devices himself beginning in 2006, when she was approximately 20 years old. For example, Noel knew that FV hated being electrocuted with a crank phone (which was wired inside FV's vaginal and anal openings and to her toes), which he described as "extremely painful," but he used it on her anyway.

Both of the defendants' plea agreements require them to cooperate with the government, including providing information or testifying at trial. Neither plea agreement provides any credit to the defendants for substantial assistance.

Under federal statutes, Henry is subject to a sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison without parole, plus a fine up to $500,000 and an order of restitution. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cynthia L. Cordes, Paul Becker and John Cowles. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in conjunction with the Human Trafficking Rescue Project.

Updated February 24, 2011 at 5:00 PM CST: One of five men accused of torturing and exploiting a young Missouri woman has plead guilty to his role in the conspiracy.

James Noel, 45, of Springfield, was accused of paying Edward Bagley, Jr. of Lebanon for sex and torture sessions with a woman who lived with Bagley as his sex slave.

On Thursday Noel plead guilty to a charge of sex trafficking conspiracy in U.S. District Court in Kansas City.

Updated October 25, 2010 12:30 PM CST: The wife of a man accused of keeping a young woman as a sex slave says the woman took part voluntarily.

Ed Bagley faces 11 federal charges in the case that accuses him of forcing the woman to participate in sex torture activities.

Four other men are charged including the Nevada, Mo. postmaster, Dennis Henry of Wheatland., Kansas.

Federal officials allege Bagley began torturing the woman when she was a 16 year old runaway.

Updated September 28, 2010 3:45 PM CST:

A federal judge has denied bond for a Missouri man accused of sex trafficking involving a young woman police say was held as a sex slave.

Dennis Henry, age 50, of Wheatland, was the postmaster in Nevada when he was charged earlier this month.

He is accused of conspiracy, sex trafficking, transportation for sexual activity and the sexual torture of a woman who was mentally challenged.

Henry told the judge he believed the woman had consented to the physical and sexual torture.

Federal officials began investigating the case in February 2009 when a 23-year-old woman was hospitalized and treated after she was nearly killed in torture session.

Officials say the woman's captor, Edward Bagley, age 43, committed brutal sexual and physical acts on the woman starting when she was a 16-year-old runaway.

All five men charged in this case are being held without bond.

Updated September 17, 2010 4:45 PM CST:

A fund is set up to help a woman authorities say was used as a sex slave and tortured for several years.

Edward Bagley is charged with sexually and physically abusing the woman since she was 16.

Authorities say Bagley sexually tortured the woman and charged other men to do the same while recording and broadcasting the abuse online.

Dennis Henry, the former Postmaster in Nevada, Missouri, is accused of being an accomplice to Bagley along with three other men. Henry is suspended without pay.

On Friday the Kansas City Alliance Against Human Trafficking announced it has set up an account for the female victim in this case.

To make a donation the Alliance asks you to put "Female Victim (FV) - United States v. Bagley, et al." on the memo line of any checks sent. Make checks payable to "Kansas City Alliance Against Human Trafficking (KCAAHT)". Mail checks to Kansas City Alliance Against Human Trafficking, P.O Box 29110, Kansas City, MO 64152.

Updated September 14, 2010 03:00 PM CST: A former Nevada, Missouri postmaster appears in court for his role in a commercial sex trafficking conspiracy case.

Dennis Henry, as well as James Bagley and James Noel plead not guilty to the accusations against them on Tuesday. The three men also waived their detention hearing.

The men and two other suspects are charged for their roles in the torture and sex trafficking of a young mentally challenged woman. The federal indictment lists extensive sadomasochistic acts caught on video and broadcast over the Internet to paying customers.

Henry, Bagley and Noel will be held in federal detention without bond until their trial, scheduled for October 25.

Updated September 10, 2010 02:55 PM CST: The U.S. Postal Service says a former Nevada, Mo. postmaster has been suspended indefinitely without pay after being indicted for his role in a commercial sex trafficking conspiracy.

Dennis Henry, 50, of Wheatland, Missouri has been with the postal service since 1979.

Now, Henry and four other men were indicted by a grand jury in Kansas City, Missouri this week.

Henry is accused of taking part in the torture and sex trafficking of a young mentally challenged woman. Henry was the Postmaster in Nevada at the time the crime reportedly took place.

Federal officials began investigating the case in February 2009 when a 23-year-old woman was hospitalized and treated after she was nearly killed in torture session.

Officials say the woman's captor, Edward Bagley, 43, committed brutal sexual and physical acts on the woman starting when she was a 16-year-old runaway.

The federal indictment lists extensive sadomasochistic acts caught on video and broadcast over the Internet to paying customers.

Court documents say Bagley mutilated the woman's genitalia, and at times locked her in a dog cage while shocking here with homemade torture devices.

All five suspects, including Henry, are being held in federal custody without bond.

Henry will be in court next Tuesday for a bond hearing.

News release - issued September 9, 2010: From the Office of the United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Beth Phillips, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that four southern Missouri men and a St. Louis, Mo., man have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a commercial sex trafficking conspiracy. The indictment alleges that a young, mentally deficient woman was sexually abused and tortured for several years in a Lebanon, Mo., home, and forced to work as an exotic dancer at local strip clubs.

"The allegations contained in this indictment are among the most horrific ever prosecuted in this district," Phillips said. "The sexual torture suffered over a period of years by the victim is highly disturbing.

"The Human Trafficking Rescue Project is specifically designed to address the problem of human trafficking from every direction," Phillips added. "We are providing the victims of human trafficking with the protection and support they need. At the same time, as this indictment illustrates, we are prosecuting both the supply and the demand, both the traffickers and their customers."

Edward Bagley, Sr., 43, and Michael Stokes, 62, both of Lebanon, Mo., Dennis Henry, 50, of Wheatland, Mo., James Noel, 44, of Springfield, Mo., and Bradley Cook, 31, of St. Louis, Mo., were charged in an 11-count indictment that was returned under seal by a grand jury in Kansas City on Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010. The indictment was unsealed and made public today upon the arrests and initial court appearances of the defendants. Henry is the postmaster general of Nevada, Mo. Stokes is a national representative for Disabled American Veterans.

The federal indictment alleges that, from December 2002 to February 2009, Bagley coerced a female victim, identified as "FV," to become a sex slave and sexually tortured her. Bagley allegedly advertised online that FV could be sexually tortured during live online sessions or in person. The indictment states that Stokes, Henry, Noel and Cook participated in this conspiracy as customers who paid Bagley to sexually abuse and torture FV. The indictment also alleges that Bagley forced FV to work as a stripper and kept the proceeds from that work.

The federal investigation began after Bagley allegedly suffocated and electrocuted FV during a torture session to a state of cardiac arrest on Feb. 27, 2009. FV, who was 23 years old at that time, received emergency medical treatment and was hospitalized.

According to the federal indictment, Bagley enticed FV, a 16-year-old runaway who suffered from mental deficiencies, into his trailer home in December 2002. Bagley promised FV, who had grown up in foster care homes, that he would help her to become a model and a dancer; she was given her own bedroom and provided with clothes and food. Bagley allegedly gave FV marijuana and ecstasy, showed her images of pornography and sadomasochism activities, and began sexually abusing her.

Bagley began sexually torturing FV in February 2004, according to the indictment, when she turned 18 years old and Bagley had her sign a "sex slave contract," which he convinced FV legally bound her to him as his slave for the rest of her life The indictment cites numerous allegations of a variety of sexual acts, torture, and mutilation over a five-year period.

If FV attempted to stop the activity or cried for help, the indictment says, Bagley escalated the torture. Bagley allegedly threatened to kill FV and demonstrated to her that he could do so by keeping numerous guns in the home. Bagley shot animals that FV cared for in front of her, the indictment says, and bragged about the bodies he had already buried in the woods behind the trailer home. Bagley also threatened to bury FV alive, the indictment says, and showed her a video demonstrating how he intended to do it.

Bagley had FV tattooed to mark her as his property, the indictment says, including a bar code on her neck, a tribal tattoo on her back with the letter "S" to mark her as a slave, and the Chinese symbol for slave on her ankle.

Between February 2005 and February 2009, Bagley tortured FV on live Webcasts on the Internet. Noel paid Bagley $300 to watch Bagley torture FV, and to sexually abuse and torture FV. Henry and Stokes also sexually abused and tortured FV, and watched Bagley torture FV. Cook sexually abused and tortured FV and downloaded streaming Internet video of Bagley torturing FV.

Stokes gave Bagley steaks, cigarettes, coats, clothing, lighters and cash. Henry and Stokes paid approximately $2,900 for Bagley to transport FV to California in December 2006 for a photo shoot in which FV performed sexual acts. Henry accompanied Bagley on the trip. Stokes paid Bagley $300 for a torture session, and also gave him money to build a home-made device to sexually torture FV. Cook gave Bradley a hard drive with sadomasochism and torture videos downloaded from the Internet.

In addition to the criminal conspiracy, each of the five defendants is also charged with one count of commercial sex trafficking and one count of using the Internet to facilitate the unlawful activity.

Bagley is also charged with forced labor trafficking and document servitude. The federal indictment alleges that Bagley forced FV to work as a stripper and exotic dancer at adult entertainment clubs from June 2007 to February 2009. Bagley allegedly earned approximately $112,200 from FV's work. According to the indictment, Bagley punished FV with torture and physical and sexual abuse for failing to be a top earner at the adult entertainment clubs where he had her dance and strip. Bagley allegedly confiscated FV's identification documents, including her state-issued identification card, birth certificate and Social Security card, at the time he had her sign the "sex slave contract."

Bagley is also charged with using the Internet for enticement, enticement to travel for sexual activity, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance to a person under the age of 21 and being a drug user in possession of firearms and ammunition.

Bagley and Henry are also charged together in one count of transportation for sexual activity. Cook is also charged with one count of being a drug user in possession of firearms and ammunition.

The federal indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require Bagley to forfeit to the government any proceeds obtained from the alleged offenses, as well as any property used to commit the alleged offenses, including $112,200 allegedly obtained by the forced labor trafficking of the victim, two computers, sex toys and paraphernalia and torture devices and 11 firearms. Cook would also be required to forfeit three computers, a hard drive, two Xbox 360s and seven firearms.

Under federal statutes, a conviction for commercial sex trafficking carries a penalty of a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole. A conviction for either commercial sex trafficking or forced labor trafficking that involves aggravated sexual abuse carries a maximum penalty of life in federal prison without parole.

Phillips cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia L. Cordes. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in conjunction with the Human Trafficking Rescue Project.

A Montgomery County, KS man has died after a crash in Coffeyville. According to police, the crash happened at 11th and Buckeye streets on Saturday evening (March 17). Authorities say 50-year-old Richard Moore was driving a motorcycle when he hit a pickup truck driven by a 16-year-old traveling north on Buckeye. Police say Moore was not wearing a helmet. Moore was taken to the Coffeyville Regional Medical Center and then life flighted to Mercy Hospital...

A Montgomery County, KS man has died after a crash in Coffeyville. According to police, the crash happened at 11th and Buckeye streets on Saturday evening (March 17). Authorities say 50-year-old Richard Moore was driving a motorcycle when he hit a pickup truck driven by a 16-year-old traveling north on Buckeye. Police say Moore was not wearing a helmet. Moore was taken to the Coffeyville Regional Medical Center and then life flighted to Mercy Hospital...

Welcome home Captain Justin Briggs and the 635th Regional Support Group of the Kansas Army National Guard out of Topeka, KS! Captain Briggs, of Frontenac, has been away from home for ten months, nine of which he spent deployed in Kuwait as part of Operation Spartan Shield. He returns home to his wife Amy, 16-year-old Saige, 13-year-old Eric and 11-month old Reid, who was only six weeks old when his dad was deployed. Briggs also got quite the warm welcome home from Athena a...More >>

Welcome home Captain Justin Briggs and the 635th Regional Support Group of the Kansas Army National Guard out of Topeka, KS! Captain Briggs, of Frontenac, has been away from home for ten months, nine of which he spent deployed in Kuwait as part of Operation Spartan Shield. He returns home to his wife Amy, 16-year-old Saige, 13-year-old Eric and 11-month old Reid, who was only six weeks old when his dad was deployed. Briggs also got quite the warm welcome home from Athena a...More >>

Charlotte is here seeking knowledge, to become a better gun owner. "You never know when it's going to be important to you if you get into a situation where you have to shoot someone" The law may allow conceal carry but when you use your weapon may not be crystal clear, so this session offered advice. "The common mishap is people who want to react to somebody trespassing on their property, make sure they understand. No, you don't just get to run outside with a gun and ...More >>

Charlotte is here seeking knowledge, to become a better gun owner. "You never know when it's going to be important to you if you get into a situation where you have to shoot someone" The law may allow conceal carry but when you use your weapon may not be crystal clear, so this session offered advice. "The common mishap is people who want to react to somebody trespassing on their property, make sure they understand. No, you don't just get to run outside with a gun and ...More >>

Thanks to a multi-agency DWI task force involving the Joplin and Webb City Police Department, and the Jasper County Sheriff's Office, 20 impaired driving arrests were made this Saint Patrick's Day weekend.

Thanks to a multi-agency DWI task force involving the Joplin and Webb City Police Department, and the Jasper County Sheriff's Office, 20 impaired driving arrests were made this Saint Patrick's Day weekend.

The USSSA Baseball Tournament is coming to Miami, OK this weekend. The City of Miami's Recreation department is hosting the United States Specialty Sports Association Battle in the Parks baseball tournament. Officials say nearly 25 teams will head to Miami for the two-day event in the Little League Baseball Complex and Francis Morgan Field. Pool play games will begin on Saturday at 9 a.m. The last pitch for the three brackets (14U, 12U, 10U) is at 7:30 p.m. On Sunday, bracket play w...More >>

The USSSA Baseball Tournament is coming to Miami, OK this weekend. The City of Miami's Recreation department is hosting the United States Specialty Sports Association Battle in the Parks baseball tournament. Officials say nearly 25 teams will head to Miami for the two-day event in the Little League Baseball Complex and Francis Morgan Field. Pool play games will begin on Saturday at 9 a.m. The last pitch for the three brackets (14U, 12U, 10U) is at 7:30 p.m. On Sunday, bracket play w...More >>

Rains Help Kansas Wildfires

From Associated Press - TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Rains across Kansas have given emergency responders a respite from a wave of wildfires that have charred more than 27 square miles across several counties in recent days. The Adjutant General's Department said in a news release Monday that the wildfire outbreak began March 14 in Rice County and later included fires in Barber, Butler, Kiowa, Labette, McPherson, Montgomery, Reno and Seward counties. Damage reported to the State Emergency Op...More >>

From Associated Press - TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Rains across Kansas have given emergency responders a respite from a wave of wildfires that have charred more than 27 square miles across several counties in recent days. The Adjutant General's Department said in a news release Monday that the wildfire outbreak began March 14 in Rice County and later included fires in Barber, Butler, Kiowa, Labette, McPherson, Montgomery, Reno and Seward counties. Damage reported to the State Emergency Op...More >>

Winter Wheat Outlook for Kansas

From Associated Press - WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - The latest government crop report estimates that more than half of the winter wheat crop in Kansas is in poor or very poor condition. The National Agricultural Statistics Service reported Monday that 17 percent of the Kansas wheat is in very poor condition with another 38 percent is rated as poor. About 34 percent is rated as fair with just 10 percent in good and 1 percent in excellent condition. That assessment comes at the same time th...More >>

From Associated Press - WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - The latest government crop report estimates that more than half of the winter wheat crop in Kansas is in poor or very poor condition. The National Agricultural Statistics Service reported Monday that 17 percent of the Kansas wheat is in very poor condition with another 38 percent is rated as poor. About 34 percent is rated as fair with just 10 percent in good and 1 percent in excellent condition. That assessment comes at the same time th...More >>

Oklahoma Oil & Gas & Education Funding

From Associated Press - OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma Supreme Court says an initiative petition seeking a public vote on whether to increase the oil and gas production tax to help fund education can move forward. The court ruled on Monday that the petition is "legally sufficient" to be submitted to a vote of the people. Supporters will now have a 90-day window to gather about 124,000 signatures. The Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association argued the proposal create...More >>

From Associated Press - OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma Supreme Court says an initiative petition seeking a public vote on whether to increase the oil and gas production tax to help fund education can move forward. The court ruled on Monday that the petition is "legally sufficient" to be submitted to a vote of the people. Supporters will now have a 90-day window to gather about 124,000 signatures. The Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association argued the proposal create...More >>